Morsi removed from power, Constitution suspended

July 03, 2013, 23:25 UTC+3Egyption President Mohamed Morsi has been removed from office and the Constitution has been suspended

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CAIRO, July 3 (Itar-Tass) - Egyption President Mohamed Morsi has been removed from office and the Constitution has been suspended.

The Supreme Constitutional Court chairman has been appointed acting head of state.

Defence Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in his address to the nation on Wednesday, July 3, that a government of technocrats and a committee for a revision of the Constitution are being formed.

The address was made in the presence of the imam of the world’s largest Al-Azhar University, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Coptic Church Head, Pope Tawadros II, and one of the National Salvation Front leaders, Mohamed ElBaredei.

The announcement was hailed by rejoicing crowds in the streets and dozens of fireworks in the sky.

Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohammed Badie was detained this morning in the northwest of Egypt by the security service and commandos with the support of military police. He was brought to Cairo and is now being held in a safe place, source said.

It was also reported that President Morsi was put under house arrest on the presidential guard’s premises. They and another 270 Islamic leaders have been forbidden to leave the country.

Salafi Sheikh Abu Ishaq Al-Heweny issued a fatwa instructing Morsi’s supporters to go home. It was issued after media reports about the arrest of Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Mohammed Badie and President Morsi. However some sources deny that Badie was detained.

Several thousand supporters of Muslim Brotherhood gathered in front of the Rabia Al-Adawiya Mosque, however they were outnumbered by their opponents. The streets of Cairo, Alexandria and other cities were filled with people waving flags and waiting for Defence Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s appearance.

Law enforcers have been ordered to use weapons to protect the people and protesters.

Last night, a fight broke out between Islamists and local residents in front of Cairo University after Morsi’s speech. The supporters of Muslim Brotherhood fired rifles at people, killing 17 and injuring over 600.

The army and police have been put in a state of full combat readiness following reports that entrenched Islamic extremists are planning to attack law enforcers if Morsi resigns.